A driver in a car plowed into children playing in Wilton Manors, Fla., killing at least two children and injuring four others between ages one and nine on Monday afternoon. The driver is currently at large.
Fort Lauderdale Battalion Chief Stephen Gollan said two children died at the scene and four others were taken to Broward Health Medical Center. Three of the children were in stable condition, but one was in critical condition.
The crash took place in a residential area in the 2400 block of Northwest Ninth Avenue in Wilton Manors, a northern suburb of Fort Lauderdale.
Local CBS 4 reporter Joan Murray tweeted, “witnesses say a speeding driver went around a stopped Broward bus, slammed into the children and then took off.”
“He was being impatient and went around the bus,” a witness told CBS Miami.
Bus driver Selvin Arjun told CBS Miami, “When he cut in front of me he went straight for the kids,” adding, “I don’t know if he couldn’t control the car because he was going fast, but he drove straight into those kids.”
Scattered debris and a car’s bumper were visible at the scene from overheard helicopter footage.
“Please be advised that Powerline Road, from the 2900-1900 Blocks, is closed down in both directions due to a traffic accident. The victims appear to be minors and our thoughts and condolences are with their families,” the city of Wilton Manors said in a tweet.
Police cordoned off roadways surrounding the scene and advised drivers of alternate routes as officials conduct their investigations.
“This is a heartbreaking evening for everyone, for families and for the first responders who responded to the scene,” Broward Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Miranda Grossman said.
